Exceptions and Exemptions

Residents and non-residents younger than 16 years of age and residents who have reached 60 years of age prior to June 1, 2000 and have lived in the state for two years prior to application are not required to obtain the following licenses: basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, big game, bow, muzzleloader, LA duck, turkey stamp. PROOF OF AGE MUST BE CARRIED ON PERSON.

Texas Reciprocal

Louisiana seniors, 65 years of age and older, are not required to purchase a non-resident license to fish in all public waters in Texas. These anglers will be allowed to fish Texas water bodies with a Louisiana Senior fishing license but shall comply with Texas law.

Senior anglers are advised that anglers turning 60 before June 1, 2000 are also required to possess a Louisiana Senior fishing license when fishing in Texas, except in border waters. Louisiana residents from 17 to 64 years of age will still be required to purchase a non-resident fishing license when fishing in Texas, except when fishing in border waters.

In all border waters, except the Gulf of Mexico, Texas and Louisiana anglers possessing the necessary resident licenses, or those exempted from resident licenses for their state, are allowed to fish the border waters of Louisiana and Texas without purchasing non-resident licenses. Border waters include Caddo Lake, Toledo Bend Reservoir, the Sabine River and Sabine Lake.

Louisiana is also allowing Texas senior residents 65 years of age and older, to fish throughout Louisiana’s public waters if they possess any type valid Special Texas Resident licenses for seniors as issued by Texas Parks and Wildlife, any type of water, saltwater or freshwater. Even Texas residents born before September 1, 1930 must possess the Texas Special Resident Fishing license when fishing in Louisiana, except in border waters.

Military

Any person who possesses a military identification card that signifies that he is currently on active military duty with any one of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, or the spouse or dependent of such person, may purchase a license for hunting or recreational fishing in Louisiana for the same fee as that required of Louisiana residents for that same license. These licenses are available at license vendor locations. ACT 306 of 2007 Regular Legislative Session provides for a credit against individual income tax liability paid by military for obtaining a Louisiana noncommercial hunting or fishing license for themselves or their spouses and dependents.

Licensee must present a Military Identification Card at the time of purchase AND have military ID or dependent card, and appropriate license(s) in his possession at all times when engaging in hunting or fishing activities.

Active Military licenses are valid only during that time when the licensee is on active duty in the armed forces of the United States.

Resident Non-Active Louisiana National Guard members may purchase a license for $50.00 to fish and hunt in Louisiana by submitting a completed “Resident Non-Active Louisiana National Guard Hunt/Fish” license application along with the fee and a copy of their Louisiana Driver’s License, Military Identification Card and original letter from their commanding officer verifying that they are in “good standing” with the LA. National Guard. These licenses are available through our Baton Rouge office only. The application form can be obtained by calling 225-765-2887. This license is in lieu of basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, big game, bow, muzzleloader, LA duck, turkey stamp, and WMA hunting permit.

Disability Licenses

Resident veterans having a permanent service-connected disability classification of 50 percent or more and residents who are blind, paraplegic or multiple amputee shall upon identification and proof of disability satisfactory to the department, be issued recreational fishing and hunting licenses at no cost. This license is in lieu of basic and saltwater fishing, basic hunting, big game, bow, muzzleloader, LA duck, turkey stamp and WMA Hunting permit. Forms are available at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/licenses[4] or by contacting Sports License at (225) 765-2887 for required forms.

A resident applicant who is totally and permanently disabled and receiving federal social security disability benefits must submit a current award letter from Social Security and a valid Louisiana Driver’s License. A resident who receives disability retirement income from a retirement system whose members are exempt from social security pursuant to the Railroad Retirement Insurance Act (Act 45 U.S.C. 231) or because they are employees of the state or a political subdivision of the state that has not voluntarily agreed to participate in federal social security under 42 U.S.C. 418, may purchase the following licenses at reduced rates as follows: basic recreational fishing -$2.50; saltwater fishing -$2.50; basic hunting, including WMA Hunting permit - $5.00; big game - $5.00 and bow - $5.00 and disabled primitive firearm $5.00 (new). To qualify for this license, apply by mail or in person to LDWF Baton Rouge office. Once approved, the license can be obtained annually from any license vendor location.

This exemption does not apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Contact Sports License at (225) 765-2887 for additional information.

A resident who is required to use one or more artificial limbs or permanent braces for mobility or a single amputee, upon identification and proof of disability satisfactory to the Department, is eligible for fishing and saltwater licenses at no cost. Licenses are available through the Department’s office in
Baton Rouge, only.

Mobility impaired persons

Mobility impaired persons, as defined in R.S. 47:463.4(E), that are bona fide residents of Louisiana and over 60 years of age may use one legal slat trap and/or one hoop net not greater than eighteen feet by eight feet for the purpose of catching catfish for home consumption. There shall be no gear fee or license charge and all persons must be in possession of valid identification.